Many of these follies now make good places to visit, the Hermitage at Dunkeld being one of the most famous. Further up the Tay valley, by Loch Tay, lies a spectacular wooded gorge with tumbling waterfalls. And next to them is a hermit's cave reputed to have been visited by Robert Burns and William Wordsworth.

Said to have been built by the Third Earl of Breadalbane towards the end of the 18th century, the cave is a great place to explore, especially for children. At first you may be daunted by the dark entrance, but fear not as it is really only a few paces to a viewing platform over-looking a high fall in the Acharn Burn. Despite its proximity to the path, the cave gives you the impression of being entirely cut off.

You then have to continue for a couple more paces to exit the cave and emerge into daylight. Take a torch if you think you need one, but do go in, as the view far exceeds any trepidation you might have.

The walk up to the cave is steep, along a farm track from the village of Acharn, but take your time and enjoy the view to your right (west), up Loch Tay to the mighty Ben Lawers. Once you have visited the cave, continue up the track to a more open vantage point, a wooden bridge across the burn. You can cross the bridge and turn left to return to the village of Acharn but there is still a little more track to go up to reach Upper Bridge, the high point of this route. From here you take a path leading back down the far side of the burn. A little way down, look out for a bench from where you can see across to the viewing platform at the cave – not nearly so daunting from this point.

Take good care on this walk as the drops from the path down to the burn are severe. The going underfoot on the way up is mainly on a stony track, and on the way down the path can be muddy, so wear good footwear. Warm clothing is essential because when you stop to admire the views, it is easy to cool down quickly in wintry weather.

Distance 1.5 miles.

Height climbed 395ft.

Time 1 to 1.5 hours.

Map OS Landranger 51 or 52.

Park Drive to the village of Acharn, one and a half miles down the south Loch Tay road from Kenmore. Park on the left, at the bottom of a track just after a bridge.

In summary Go up the track, following a sign for the falls. After about half a mile, look for a sign pointing left to the hermit's cave. Follow the path a few yards to the cave entrance and go inside. After another few yards, turn left to reach a viewing platform across the gorge from a large waterfall.

Return to the cave and turn left to walk round to the exit, emerging at the track. Here, you turn left. As the gradient eases, go left on a path signed to a viewing platform. Drop down to a vantage point above more falls, then return to the track and turn left. Cross Upper Bridge and go left on the other side, through a wooden kissing gate, then follow a path right down the other side of Acharn Burn and its falls.

At the bottom, follow a track to the road you drove in on. Go left to return to the parking area.

Refreshments There is nothing in Acharn, but there's a wide choice in Kenmore, including its famous eponymous hotel and the Mains of Taymouth Courtyard, on the other side of the town's bridge.

While you are in the area Try Dewar's World of Whisky (01887 822010, www.dewarswow.com), in Aberfeldy.